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What exactly does a disciple look like? In this world where everyone has their own ideas of what a Christian is actually supposed to be and do, what exactly are we to model our lives after. Well, of course the obvious answer is Christ. But that doesn't mean that we should all go and try to pick up fisherman down by the local pond and ask them to follow us. Although, if anyone tries that approach, PLEASE let me know how it turns out. In Luke 3:10-13, John the Baptist gave very specific directions for how to live a godly life in the professions that God has called us to. First, we need to understand that God calls us to certain places at certain times. In Dr. Albert Mohler's blog (of Southern Seminary), he talks about the revolutionary fact that we are called to do certain things. This is not just about pastors and ministers, but about waiters, secretaries, CEO's, students, and farmers. God has given each of us skills to do something in life and he equips us so that we can better do that job to His glory. Sometimes, God calls us to certain places for a time to help us grow and sometimes He puts us where we should be right from the beginning. But it is there that we are to be disciples, not just in the church.

So what does a disciple look like? They love God, therefore they study His Word and they help others because God loves them. Remember the greatest commandment? "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself." ~Matthew 22:37-40 Take a minute to think about it. How do you show your love to God? By giving Him your Sunday mornings and saying a quick prayer over your meals when no one is watching? Or do you seek Him every day, trying to learn more about Him as He has revealed Himself through Scripture? Also, how do you show love to others? Not just your spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, parents, children, family, and friends, but those around you that you often ignore. In this self-centered culture, it is difficult to fight off the temptation to focus on ourselves. We make money to be able to take care of ourselves and buy things that we want, while Scripture clearly says that God gives to us so that we can take care of those who have needs and in turn, when we have needs others can help take care of us. It kind of goes against the American Dream doesn't it? But being a disciple goes against this world in many ways. If you don't feel uncomfortable in this world, then I strongly encourage you to examine your life through Scripture and make sure that your life lines up with God's guidelines.

Discipleship

A question has really been on my heart for the past month. What is discipleship and how do you do it? Ok, so technically that's two questions, but regardless they both come down to the same idea, one from a ontological perspective (what it is) and the other from a practical one(how it is). The best definition of discipleship that I've been able to come up with is "displaying Christ in life to those around you." At least that particular part of it is at the forefront of my mind right now. It's such a big concept that I would be hard pressed to come up with a simple definition that encompassed everything. So what does it take to make a disciple? Dedication, patience, grace, maturity, prayer, meditation, and time. How else are you going to show someone how Christ is at work in your life and teach them how to have Christ in their everyday life as well?

I'll be honest, it is so difficult to pour so much into someone. You get so excited when they grow and you feel their every heart ache and failure as if it were your own. Discipleship is probably the most rewarding and the most frustrating task that a person can undertake. With all of this world's demands on our time, it seems so difficult to get someone to give more time to God. Sunday's and Wednesday nights stretch most people thin and no one has enough time to do what they want... even the discipler. But for those reading this, I hope that you will take this challenge to heart. I aim to show you ways that Christ has changed my life and share my struggles, victories, and insights. Hopefully, this will encourage you to follow Christ closer and more intimately than you have in a long time.
Grace and Peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.